Box strapping machine



March 28, 1939. R. E. cRusE 7 2,151,956

BOX STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March e, 1955 v Sheets-Sheet 1' I INVENTOR. 50/,0/7 f. Cruse March 28, 1939. R. E. CRUSE 2,151,956

BOX'STRAPPING MACHINE Original Fiied March 6, 1935 v Sheets-Sheet 2 FEB.

H6 #7 /69 LNVENTOR.

Fa/p/i f. Cruse ATTORNEYS.

March 28, 1939. I E, c us 2,151,956

BOX STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March'6, 1933 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 i5 J5 I M 1. I y if (70 400 FULL I k Ea/p/z .5 Cruse ATTORN March 28, 1939. R. E. CRUSE 2,151,956

BOX STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March 6, 1933 7 sheets-sheet ATTORNEYS.

March 28, 1939. R. E, CRUSE 2,151,956

Box STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March 6,1953 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 3 Z39-:EP.' m-

/9fi 95. INVENTOR.

E Cruse ATTORNEY.

March 28, 1939. c us 2,151,956

BOX STRAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March 6, 1953 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 FIEJEL j 236 23 w /5/ m jaw 7 J FE EE L14 Am INVENTOR. 190/,0/7 f. Cruse ATTORNEY.

?atented Mar. 28, 1939 rATENr oFFrcs BOX STRAPPING MACHINE Ralph E. Cruse,

Oakland, Calif., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Acme Steel Company of Illinois, Chicago, 111., a corporation or Illinois Application March 6, 1933, Serial No. 659,761 Renewed April 12, 1938 23 Claims.

This invention relates generally to machines for applying and securing straps to boxes, crates and the like, and more particularly to machines of this character which are adapted for use where 5 it is not desirable to employ a binding element which entirely encompasses the box.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine of the above character which will make possible the use of a fiat metal ribbon as a 10 strapping element, and which will attach this strapping element to the box in such a manner as to afford great strength.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine which will apply a flat metal strap 15 in such a manner as to avoid troublesome protruding portions or exposed strap ends. In this 1 connection the invention is characterized by the fact that the ends of the strap, particularly as applied to citrus boxes, are tucked into the sides 20 of the box.

Additional features or characteristics of the invention, which are desirable objects, will appear from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings,

25 but the following can be briefly enumerated: The machine has a cycle of operation of such a character as to make for high capacity, and this cycle is carried out automatically, or semiautomatically. Provision has been made for ad- 3 justments whereby the machine can be made to accommodate boxes of various sizes. A high degree of operating reliability is afiorded, with respect to the percentage of straps applied by the machine which must be rejected in practice. In

35 addition to tucking in the ends of the strap, after the strap has been secured to a box, the strap applied snugly to the sides of the box, thus facilitating subsequent handling. The tucking-in operation as provided for in my machine is per 40 formed simultaneously with the cutting operation, by the use of a relatively simple mechanism.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is an end view of a machine incorporating the present invention, certain parts be- 45 ing in cross section, and certain parts being remov ed for clarity.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail in elevation, illustrating the 50 strap supporting units, and the strap feed means,

at the beginning of a cycle of operation.

Fig. 4 is a detail in elevation, illustrating the positions of the head assemblies, during the cycle of operation, and' after the strap has been applied g5 to a crate. A crate being strapped is also shown (Cl. l-lll) in this figure, together with means for pressing down the lid of the crate.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but illustrating the positions of parts near the end of a cycle of operation, as the end of the strap is being fed 5 to the strap applying device um. The crate and the means for pressing down the crate lid, shown in Fig. 4, have been omitted.

Fig. 6 is a detail in elevation, showing the back side 01' one of the head assemblies, with certain working parts removed.

Fig. '7 is an end View of the apparatus as illustrated in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a plan View illustrating certain parts carried by the base of my machine, for positioning a box to be strapped.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional detail, illustrating certain elements utilized for feeding a flat metallic strap from the source of supply, in conjunction with one of the strap supporting units.

Fig, 10 is a cross sectional detail taken along the line 55-49 of Fig. 9, but also showing the pinion and associated parts for operating the feed rack, the track for slidably retaining the rack, and means for rotating the pinion.

Fig. 11 is a cross sectional detail, illustrating one of the strap supporting units and nailing heads carried by the head assembly upon the right hand side of the machine as viewed in Fig.

1, the parts being in positions occupied at the instant that a nail has been driven and the strap is being severed.

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional detail of the strap supporting unit incorporated in Fig. 11, but showing the cutter in a retracted position.

Fig. 33 is a detail, illustrating the strap supporting unit of Fig. 12, and with reference to Fig.

12, looking from the right to the left.

Fig. 14 is a detail in plan, of certain of the elements incorporated in the mechanism of Fig. 9, namely the body of the strap supportirm unit and element to which it is pivotally connected.

Fig. 15 is a detail, illustrating a portion of the head assembly, incorporated on the right hand side of the machine as viewed in Fig. 1, and showing the strap supporting unit i0 3 latched in a cocked position.

Fig. 16 is a detail, illustrating a part of the mechanism for actuating the parts illustrated in Fig. 9.

Figs. 17 and 18 are details, in different operating positions, showing certain parts of the actuating mechanism for the head assemblies, which are carrledby the main cross-head of the machine and which appear in Fig. 1.

Fig. 19 is a detail, illustrating a part of the clutch trip mechanism in the drive connection to the head assemblies.

Fig. 20 illustrates the clutch trip mechanisms for the strap feeding means, the cross head being shown travelling upwardly and in position to trip the finger for setting the strap feeding mechanism in operation.

Fig. 21 is a detail illustrating trip mechanism for the main drive clutch, to continue the cycle of operation after the strap applying and nailing operations have been performed.

Fig. 22 is a detail illustrating trip means, actuated by movement of box, for the main clutch.

In the cycle of operation of the machine illustrated in the drawings, the strap to be applied to a box is supplied from a reel or other suitable source of material. A suitable length of this strap is applied across the top or lid of the box, with portions depending along the box sides. The depending strap portions are then nailed to the box, the strap is cut, and the ends tucked in.

To facilitate a proper understanding of the machine illustrated, the following detailed description has been divided by appropriate subtitles.

General arrangement Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the machine consists of a suitable frame structure III, which in this instance includes the side uprights II and 2, and base structure I 3. In order to arrange boxes in proper position to receive a strap, I provide suitable box conveying and positioning means, indicated generally by numeral l4. Carried by the frame of the machine in a manner to be presently explained, are the head assemblies l6 and I1. Since head assembly It includes certain elements which serve to feed the metallic strap from a source of supply, it can be termed a strap feeder head assembly. Similarly assembly H can be termed a strap gripper head assembly, as it includes a means or unit which serves to grip one end of the strap during the cycle of operation. Both 1 of assemblies l6 and I1 also include strap supporting units and nailing heads to perform the operations of applying and securing the strap to the box.

The operation of compressing the lid of the box during the strapping operation, is performed by a presser I8, which is normally in an elevated position as shown in Fig. 1. In addition to the general arrangement just described, the operating parts of the machine also have connections to actuate or motion applying means, to secure operation in proper sequence.

Boa conveying and positioning means Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 and 8, the box conveying and positioning means includes a pair of track elements 2| which are carried in a horizontal position upon lateral members 2Ia (Fig. 8) of the base l3. Cooperating with the track ele ments 2|, there is an endless chain conveyor 22. This chain is carried by suitable sprockets 23 and 24, which in turn are carried by shafts 26 and 21. Suitable journals serve to support these shafts in horizontal position upon the frame of the machine. The upper run of chain conveyor 22 extends thru a channel 28, which is arranged intermediate the track elements 2|. This chain is provided with spaced box engaging lugs, such as are known in the art. Drive means for the chain conveyor 22, and tripping means which is preferably utilized, will be presently described under the heading of Actuating and drive mechanism".

To enable lateral positioning of the box to be strapped, I provide a guide strip 3| (Figs. 1 and 8) which has an inner vertical face, and which is elevated with respect to the track elements 2| and 22. In order to adjustably support the guide strip 3|, this strip is shown carried by threaded rods 32, which extend thru a side angle member 33. Lock nuts 34 on rods 32,, serve to adjustably fix rods 32 with respect to brackets 36, which in turn are secured to the side angle member 33. Adjacent the other side of the conveyor track there is a side angle member 31, similar to the angle member 22. This angle member serves to support a guide strip 38, which is urged inwardly by compression springs 39. When a box is being moved by the conveyor chain 22 and is forced between guide strips 3| and 38, it is evident that the box is constrained to assume a predetermined position, in conformance with the desired line of operation, and dependent upon the setting of guide strip 3|.

Strap feeder head assembly Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 4, the strap feeder head assembly consists of a casting or plate 4| upon which its operating parts are secured. In order to afford a mounting for plate 4| which will permit certain required movements, I have shown a cross head 44 extending laterally across the machine between the frame uprights II and I2. Vertical standards or rods 46 (Figs. 1 and 6), mounted in the sides of the frame, are slidably engaged by the end portions 41 and 48 of cross head 44. For vertically reciprocating the cross head 44, there are shown connecting rods 43, having their upper ends provided with pivotal connections to the cross head guide portions 41 and 48. Compression springs 50 serve as counterbaiancing means for the cross head and its associated parts.

In order to form a connection between plate 4| and the cross head 44, a plate or guide 52 (Figs. 6 and 7) is shown fixed to the cross head portion 41, in such a position as to extend laterally across the machine. By means of slotted pads and retaining plates 53 and 54, plate 4| is slidably retained upon guide 52, in such a manner that limited sliding movements with respect to the cross head 44 is afforded. The extent of such movement can be adjusted by varying the setting of stops 55.

As a part of the means which serves to feed a metal strap between the heads I6 and I1, slidably carried by the lower edge of plate 4|, there is a rack 56 (Fig. This rack is engaged by a pinion 51 to eifect its reciprocation, and this pinion in turn is journaled to a bracket 58 secured to plate 4|. A groove 59 formed within rack 56 (Fig, 9), forms a passage or guideway for the metal strap. Pivotally mounted within groove 59 there is a dog 60, beneath which the metal strap may pass. Since this dog is set at an inclination and is biased downwardly, it will permit movement of the strap beneath it only in one direction with respect to the rack 56.

Carried by the inner end of rack 56, there is a strap-supporting unit or device 6| (Fig. 9) which performs several functions, including retention of the strap, bending of the strap about a corner of the box, and cutting of the strap from the source of supply after the strap has been applied. This device includes a body formed of spaced plates 62 secured upon opposite sides of the other end is anchored to bracket 82.

spacer 63, together with a box engaging plate 6%. Extending thru the bodythere is a relatively fiat passage 65 for receiving theImetal strap, slidably secured to the outer end of the body (Figs. 9, 10 and 1.4) there is a cutter. 66. The blade of cutter 66 operates against an anvil B1, and the cutteris normally biased towards a retracted position, by compression spring 68. For connecting device BI to the rack 56, I have shown a member 69 which is slidably keyed to the inner end of rack 56, and which has a pivotal connection ill with device I5! .(Fig. 9). A coiled spring H associated with pivotal connection 10 serves to normally bias device GI from the position shown in Fig. 9, to the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. Fixed within groove 59 adjacent the dog 60, there is a block 13 adapted to have a lost motion connection with member 69. Thus secured to member 69 there is a bar 16, one end of which is provided with a lug Hi adapted to operate within a slot 15 afiorded in block '13. A compression spring Ti is interposed between block it and dog 68, to urge this dog into engagement with the underlying strap. A rod 18 is loosely socketed in member 59 and block l3, and surrounding rod 18 there is a compression spring is. A tension spring (Figs. 4 and 5) serves to normally bias rack 56 to a retracted position. One end of this spring is secured to pin 8i, and An adjustable stop 33 carried by bracket 82 limits movement of rack 56 towards a retracted position.

Mounted upon the casing ii, there is a suitable nailing head 85 (Figs. 4 and 5), which may include a conventional chuck having its two elements or jaws held together by spring 8?, a tube as for supplying nails to the chuck, and a driving plunger 89. For actuating driving rod 89, there .is shown a carriage 9i, slidably mounted upon the upper edge of casting ii. Depending from carriage 95, there is a rigid portion 92 to which driving rod 89 is adjustably secured. Likewise adjustably secured to depending portion 92, there is a rod 93, one end of which forms a hammer head 9 1 for striking cutter 6%. Rod 93 is suitably guided in casting ii, and is biased in one direction. together with carriage 95, by compression spring 96. For reciprocating carriage iii, a journal 9'? is shown mounted thereon, which is operatively connected to a linkage to be presently described.

For a purpose to be presently explained, it is desirable to provide means for latching the strap supporting unit or device 5%! in the cooked position shown in Figs. 4 and 9. Thus referring to Fig. 4, a latch 93 is pivotally secured to plate 99, which plate overlies the nailing head and is secured to the main casting on plate SI. Latch 98 is biased in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 4) against a fixed stop, and is adapted to engage a pin Ill!) mounted upon one side of the body of device (it (as shown in Fig. 15).

Gripper head assembly In certain respects the gripper head assembly H is similar to the feeder head assembly previously described, although it is intended to operate upon the free end of the metallic strap, and therefore does not include strap feeding means. Thus this head assembly includes a casting lDl (Figs. 4, 5 and 15) which is mounted upon the cross head portion 58 in a manner similar to the casting ll for head I6, that is to afiord limited sliding movement laterally of the machine. Pivotally mounted to the inner and lower corner and of casting IOI, there is a strap supporting unit or device I I14, which is adapted to receive and grip the free end of the'strap, supplied from the head assembly I6. This device includes a body formed of spaced side plates I06 (Figs. 11 and 12) and provided with a relatively flat anvil plate I01. Pin I08 serves topivotally secure the device to casting IIH, for movement thru at least degrees, and a tension spring I09 serves the same in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4. Slidably secured to the outer ends of side plates I06, there is a cutter III], the blade or which cooperates with an anvil edge III. A dog H2 pivotally secured to plates IDS, is provided with a finger H3, extending into a slot H4 provided in cutter lIIl. Therefore when the cutter I I0 is urged toward the right as viewed in Fig. 12 the end of the metallic strap inserted between the blade of the cutter and anvil Hi is securely gripped by the dog. However when the cutter is moved to the left as shown in Fig. 11 to sever the strap, the dog is released and'the severed end portion permitted to fall. A coiled spring H5, secured to the body Hi6, serves to normally bias cutter IIll towards retracted position.

Strap supporting unit or device 104i is further provided with movable means for abutting the end of the metallic strap. Thus pivoted between plates I86 (Figs. 11 and 12) there is a strap stop member lII one end of which is adapted to engage a finger formed upon a lever H8. Lever H8 is secured to pin I98 and to casting IGI, so as to actuate member ill when device IO l is swung upwardly.

The remaining parts of the head assembly H are substantially duplicates of the corresponding parts of head assembly it, and therefore like numerals have been used to designate the same. Fig. 11 shows the chuck jaws 86a and 86b of the nailing head, in conjunction with the nail driving plunger 8%.

Fig. 15 shows a trip finger I20 carried by stationary member H of the machine, for releasing latch 98 as the cross head Ml approaches the upper limit of its movement. Near the end of the upward movement of the cross head, finger 96 engages stationary lug H0, and thereafter is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 15, to release pin lllll, whereby the unit or device EM may swing down in a counter-clock wise direction under the urge of spring it. A similar finger is carried by stationary member I2 and releases the latch 98 for device til.

Presser means The presser means l8 is of relatively simple construction, and consists of an arched plate I2l, secured to a pair of vertical guide rods I22. Guide rods I22 extend through apertures provided in the plate i23 which in turn is fixed to the cross head e l. Nuts l2 l upon rods 122 serve to retain engagement with plate 523, and compression springs I25 urge the plate IZl downwardly with respect to the cross head M. Upon lowering cross head M it is evident that plate I2! bears upon the top of the box being strapped, so as to compress the lid of the box preparatory to scouring the strap. The underside of plate I2 I, is grooved to accommodate the strap, so that the strap is free to slide across the top of the box or crate.

Actuating or driving mechanism 2). This motor is shown driving a counter shaft I32, thru a suitable belt or chain drive I33. Counter shaft I32 in turn serves to drive a shaft I34, thru pinion I36 and gear I31. Disposed upon shaft I34, there is a one revolution clutch I39, serving when engaged to rotate a pinion I. This pinion in turn engages a gear I42 to drive shaft I43. Fixed to the ends of shaft I43, are the crank wheels I44 which are connected to the cross head 44 by connecting rods 49. Thus when shaft I43 makes one half a revolution from the position shown inFig. 2, the cross head 44, together with the head assemblies I6 and I1, are lowered, and during a further one half revolution, these parts are raised. Two complete revolutions of clutch I39 are required for a complete cycle of operation, of the machine.

When shaft I43 occupies the position shown in Fig. 2, it is at rest, and clutch I39 is disengaged. The clutch when tripped rotates shaft I43 onehalf a revolution and is then tripped to stop shaft I43. After head assemblies I6 and I1 have been lowered and the parts associated with the same have performed their functions, clutch I39 is again tripped to return the cross head to its initial elevated position.

Lever I41 is preferably actuated in coordination with movement of a box or crate in position for a nailing operation. Thus arranged in the path of movement of the box to be strapped, (Figs. 2 and 22) there is a trip lever I5I, one arm of which is connected to a link I52. The

other end of link I52 is connected to one arm of an L-crank I53, the other arm of which is connected to the upper end of rod I54. The lower end of rod I54 has an abutment or foot I56, to latch under pin I56a on the lever I41. When trip lever I5I is depressed by the advancing end of a box to be strapped, the linkage just described lifts rod I54, to actuate lever I41, thus tripping the clutch I39, to engaged position. At the completion of such a tripping operation, the foot I56 escapes by lever I41, thus permitting lever I41 to return to its original position.

This 'escapement results from engagement of a portion of clutch I39 (while the latter is rotating) with a plate I 54a formed on the lower end of rod I54 so as to shift this rod to release pin I56a from engagement by foot I56. This permits clutch lever I41 to drop, stopping rotation of clutch I39 at the end of a single revolution of the latter. Thus the rotation of clutch I39, resulting from the swinging of lever I5I by a. box, ceases at the end of a single revolution of this clutch even though the lever I5I remains depressed by virtue of the box resting thereupon during the strapping operation.

For driving chain 22 to move successive boxes into position for the strapping operation, power is transmitted from the drive shaft I34 through a sprocket I58 fixed on the latter, and a chain I 59 which is trained about sprocket I56 and a sprocket I6I, the latter being freely rotatable on the shaft 21. Rotatable motion is transmitted from the sprocket I6I to the shaft 21 through a single-revolution clutch I62. The chain 22 is provided with box propelling lugs 22a which are uniformly spaced apart along the chain distances, each of which is equal to the distance which the chain 22 is caused to travel by one revolution of clutch I62.

' This clutch is of the ratchet release type and includes an arm I64 which is fixed on the shaft 21, a pawl I65 pivotally mounted on the end of the arm I64, and a spring I66 (Figs. 2 and 8) which urges the pawl I66 constantly towards engagement with a toothed ratchet wheel I61, the latter being formed integral with the sprocket I and -rotated therewith continuously in the direction of the arrow placed thereon in Fig. 2. The pawl I65 has a finger I65a extending laterally therefrom which is adapted to come into engagement with a trip arm I63 which is pivotally mounted at its lower end on the frame of the machine and is operably connected with a foot lever I69 through a rod HI, and L-lever I12, and a rod link I13. Interposed between the connection of rod "I with L-lever I12 is a compression take-up spring I14. 7

As long as the pawl.l65 is free to be urged by the spring I66 into engagement with the teeth of the continuously rotating ratchet wheel I61 this pawl engages said teeth, causing the arm I64 carrying this pawl to rotate the shaft 21 with the ratchet wheel I61. The upper end of the trip arm I66 however is disposed in the path which the finger I65a of the pawl I65 takes whenever this pawl is thus rotating with the ratchet wheel I61. When traveling in this path to a certain point, the finger I65a engages the upper end of the trip arm I68, this camming the pawl I65 outwardly away from engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel I61, thus causing an immediate cessation of the transmission of rotary motion from the ratchet wheel I61 to the shaft 21.

The suddenness with which the shaft 21 thus stops rotating results from the considerable friction between a packed box B and the tracks 2I on which this box is resting as said box is being shifted into working position in the strapping machine by engagement with the rear face thereof of one of the lugs 22a of the chain 22, as shown in Fig. 2.

When the foot lever position, as shown in I69 is in normal inactive Fig. 2, the upper end of the trip arm I63 is disposed so as to shift the pawl I 65 into and hold it in its inoperative position, the latter being also shown in this figure. Upon the foot lever I69 being depressed, the trip arm I68 of the clutch I62 is swung toward the left from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 2, so as to move out from under the finger I65a on the pawl I65, thus releasing this pawl ahd permitting the spring I66 to snap the pawl into engagement with one of the teeth on the ratchet wheel I61, thereby initiating a single revolution of the shaft 21 by the clutch I62.

In order to return the trip arm I68 to its normal position so that it will function to stop the rotation of the shaft 21 at the end of a single revolution, the operator removes his foot from the foot pedal I69 after having depressed this to initiate said single revolution.

The clutch I 62 is so adjusted that every time it is thus thrown out automatically the chain 22 halts with one of the lugs 22a advanced just far enough to place a packed box B in the machine with the central partition I15 thereof properly located to have a strap nailed thereto as will be made clear hereinafter.

From the above it is evident that during intervals when no work is being fed to the machine the motor I3I may remain in operation while the conveyor chain is at rest. If a box is now placed upon the conveyor, and foot lever I69 depressed the conveyor operates to move the box to the box strapping position, after which the conveyor stops. Depression of trip lever I5I by the box now starts the machine in operation to perform the strapping operation. After completion of the box strapping operations, lever I69 is again depressed to discharge the strapped box, and to deliver a new box to the machine.

To actuate parts carried by the head assemblies it and i1 (Fig. 1) mounted upon the cross-head l i, there is a shaft l9l, carrying a double-armed lever E92. The arms of lever N2 are connected by links N13, to the upper arms of levers 5941, which are journaled to the cross-head Mi by studs 696. Likewise journaled to the studs i963, and rotatable with respect to lever WE, are the arms Bill. Links 698 serve to connect these arms with the journals 9?. Interposed between the lower ends of levers 594iand arms iii'i, are yieldable take-ups, which can be constructed as follows: Upon each of the arms i9? (Figs. 17 and 18) there is a lug I99, engaging one end of a rod 285. Each of these rods slidably extends thru a lug 262, fixed to the lower arm of the associated lever I26. A compression spring 203 is interposed between lug 202, and-the thrust washer 20 i fixed to the outer end of rod 2M. Thus referring to Figs. 1'7 and 18, when each lever i li is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, force is transmitted to the associated link H98 thru the compression spring 2&3. In the event link use cannot follow the complete oscillating movement of lever ig i, lost motion is taken up by the compression spring 263. 4

Before describing the remainder of the actuating mechanism for rotating shaft l l, it may be explained that upon rotating this shaft in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. l, journals 9? are moved together, or inwardly with respect to the machine. The manner in which shaft llil is connected to journals 9?, and also the provision of yieldable take-ups described above, makes it possible to continually rotate shaft l l in one direction.

Extending vertically of the machine (Fig. 1) there is a shaft 2%, having its lower end connected to shaft I136, by suitable gearing 2%. The upper end of this shaft is retained by a Suiable journal 208 secured upon top of the machine frame, and the lower shaft and is carried by journal 2%. Splined to shaft 286, there is a worm gear 2i i. This worm gear serves to drive a shaft 2E2, carrying a gear 2l3, which in turn engages a gear 2%, journaled to shaft l9l. The drive from gear 2H to gear 2E3, is thru a one revolution clutch m of the ratchet tooth type, which is under the control of a lever 2W. To operate the clutch control lever 2H, I have shown a lever Zlii, connected to lever 23'? by link 2l9. A bracket or standard 22l is mounted upon cross head it, and serves to journal shaft 222, to which lever M8 is secured. Fixed to the rear end of shaft 222 (Fig. 19), there is a finger 223,

biased in a clockwise direction as viewed in this figure, by spring 22 A cam abutment 226 is fixed to the frame of the machine, and is arranged to engage and oscillate finger 223 in a counterclockwise direction, during the completion of the downward stroke of the cross head id. Movement of finger 223 by engagement with cam abutment 226, trips clutch 2l6 to engaged condition to effect rotation of shaft l9l one complete revolution, after which clutch 2l6 automatically disengages itself.

It has previously been explained that when the machine is started in operation, by tripping the main clutch I39, cross head 4 3 is moved to its lowermost position, where it comes to a position of rest, while certain operations take place.

Likewise following the completion of certain operations, the main clutch E39 is again automati cally tripped to raise the cross head back to its original position. To perform this latter function, that is to effect automatic tripping ofthe main clutch 839 to raise the cross head to its original position, I provide mechanism as follows: Carried by one of the side upright structure members of the frame of the machine, there is a bracket 21% (Fig. 21), which serves to pivotally support an L-lever 232. Adjustably secured to one aura of L-lever 232, there is a rod 233, the lower end of which is connected to a pivotally mounted lever 23%. The free end of lever 23% extends beneath the operating lever M1, for the main clutch 39. Pivotally connected to the other arm of L-lever 232, there is a member 235 having a cam surface. Pin 23? limits rotation of member 238 with respect to L-lever 232, in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 21, but rotation in the opposite direction is permitted. A tension spring 238 biases member 2% in a clockwise direction. A pin 239 projects from that lever i9 3 which is upon the same side of "the machine, so that as viewed in Figs. 1 and 21, when lever Hi l swings to the left it passes over but rotates members 236. However when lever 59% swings back to the right, in tripping over member 236, L-lever 232 is turned to lift lever 23 i, and thus actuate the main clutch control lever Ml. It should be noted in this connection that these operations take place while the cross head it is in a lowered position.

When the cross head it is raised to its upper position, means serves to actuate pinion iii, to feed the strap between the two head assemblies l6 and ii, for a subsequent strapping operation. As representative of suitable means of this character, the upper end of a rack E i-i has been shown pivotally connected with a member 258, which is slidable within a suitable guideway 2151 (Fig. 2). A lever 238, having a fulcrum 249 with the frame of the machine, has a link connection 250 with member 2%. Journaled above the frame of the machine, there is a shaft 25f, to which the crank 252 is fixed. A rod 253 serves to connect crank 252, with one end of lever 258. The alternative point of connection 250a, between lever 268 and link 250, permits making changes in the efiective leverage provided, thus facilitating making adjustments of the machine to varying conditions. Fixed to the other end of shaft 25!, there is a bevel gear 256, engaging a bevel gear 26! upon the upper end of shaft 206. The drive between shaft 25! and gear 254, is thru a clutch 262. The control lever 263 for this clutch, is operated by turning movement of a shaft 26%. Thus referring to Fig. 20, a lever 265 fixed to shaft 26d, is connected to lever 263, by link 281. Another lever 268 secured to shaft 264, is connected to the upper end of a rod 269. The lower end of rod 269 is connected to one arm of a lever 2'", which lever is pivotally carried by the main frame of the machine. The other arm 272 of this lever carries an abutment pin 213. This pin serves to engage a finger 2'74, which is pivotally mounted concentric with the pivotal connection of lever 21], and which normally extends in the path of movement of cross head 44. Before cross head 44 has reached its uppermost position, engagement with finger 214 turns this finger together with lever 2' in a counterclockwise direction viewed in Fig. 20, to trip the latch 262. When cross head 44 has reached the upper limit of its movement, it has passed the finger 214. When cross Sit - to bias lever 2" in a clockwise direction, and

another spring biases finger 214 in a counterclockwise direction.

It is evident'from the above that before the cross head 44 reaches the upper limit of its movement, tripping of finger 214 trips clutch 262, thus serving to eflect one complete revolution of shaft 25 I, after which clutch 262 automatically releases itself. Obviously shortly after shaft I5I commences its rotation, cross head 44 will have reached its upper limit.

The means utilized for supplying nailsto the nailing heads need not be described in detail, as such apparatus is well known in the art. ever this means may include a nail pan 211, having a suitable drive connection to shaft 25I, to effect its oscillation.

General operation Operation of my machine as a whole can now be described as follows: A box or crate, such as a crate packed with citrus fruit having a bulged lid, isintroduced into the machine, as by manually sliding it into a position upon the right hand end of the box conveying and positioning means I4 (Fig. 2). At that time motor I3I is in operation, but the conveyor chain 22 is stationary. Foot lever I69 is now depressed, with the result that clutch I62 is rotated one revolution to drive conveyor chain 22 a sufficient amount to move the crate into proper position for a strapping operation, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. In this connection note that the box engaging lugs on conveyor chain 22 should be so spaced that for the amount which this chain is driven, a lug near the rear end of the crate slides the crate to the aforesaid strapping position. As the crate arrives in such a position, it engages trip lever I5I, thus causing lever I41 to be raised to trip the main clutch I39. At this time it is presumed that a metallic strap 215 extends between the devices 6I and I04, shown more clearly in Fig. 3. The end of this flat metallic strap is retained by the dog I I2, of device I04. Immediately upon tripping of the main clutch I39, rotation of shaft I43 causes the cross head 44 together with the head assemblies I6 and I1 to move downwardly. As the head assemblies I6 and I1 are lowered toward the box, the strap 215 first contacts with the lid of the box, and then as the head assemblies are further lowered, devices 6I and I04- engage the corners of the crate and are turned 90, to the cooked positions shown in. Fig. 4. The turning of devices H and I 04, together with downward movement along the sides of the crate, bends the strap about the corners of the crate, to form depending portions, as shown in Fig. 4, in position to be nailed to the sides of the crate. Likewise as the head assemblies I6 and I1 are being lowered along the sides of the crate, the medial portion of the lid of the crate is en aged by the presser member I8, to press down the lid, so that after the strap has been secured to the box, and the lid is released, the strap will be relatively tight. Immediately before the cross-head reaches its lowermost limit, the strap nailing clutch 2I6 is tripped by engagement of cam abutment 225 (Fig. 19) with finger 223, which causes motion to be transmitted through lever 2I8 and link 2I9 (Fig. 2) to the clutch lever 2I1, thereby commencing rotation of shaft I9I. Rotation of this shaft through one revolution, while the head Howv causes hammer heads 94 to drive cutters IIO into I the sides of the box, as shown in Fig. 11. With respect to the cutter carried by device 6|, this operation serves to sever the applied strap from the remainder of the strap supply, and at the same time serves to tuck the end of the strap into the side of the crate. With respect to the cutter carried by device I04, a short end portion of the strap, which has been engaged by dog H2, is severed, and likewise the end of the strap is tucked or driven into the side of the crate. Simultaneously with operation of cutter IIO, for device I 04, dog H2 is rotated to released position (Fig. 11), to permit the severed end portion to fall. Likewise at this time member H1 is moved to a position shown in Figs. 11 and 12, so as not to retain the severed end portion.

The operations described above, while the head assemblies I6 and I I are in their lowered position, are completed during one-half revolution of shaft I9I. During the remaining one-half revolution of shaft I9I, journals 01 move outwardly to their original positions, and at the same time plates M of the head assemblies are caused to move outwardly a certain amount out of engagement with the sides of the crate. Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that when devices 6| and I 04 were turned 90 by contact with the corner of the crate, they were latched in such position by means of latches 98. This provision makes it possible to raise the head assemblies without danger of devices 6I and I04 engaging the sides of the crate. Shdrtly before shaft I9I completes one revolution, the main clutch I39 is tripped by engagement of pin 239 (Fig. 21) with member 236, which causes rod 233 and lever 234 to be raised. Tripping of the main clutch causes the crosshead to start upwardly towards its initial position. Just before the cross-head reaches its uppermost position, latches 96 are released by engagement with fingers I20 (Fig. 12) to permit devices 6I and I04 to swing back to their normal position. Immediately thereafter clutch 262 is tripped, by engagement of the cross-head with member 214 (Fig. 20) which in turn transmits motion through rod 269, members 268, 266 and 261, to the clutch lever 263. Subsequent rotation of shaft 25I through one revolution transmits motion through crank 252, rod 253, lever 240 and link 250 (Fig. 2), to reciprocate rack 24I. Rack 24I, operating through pinion 51 (Fig. 16) serves to move rack 56 to the right (Fig. 5) 'to bring the devices 6| and I04 into engagement. After such engagement, a further and final movement of rack 56, is accommodated by movement of lug 14 in slot 15 (Fig. 9). This further movement causes the end of the strap to enter device I04, beneath dog II2. Fig. 5 shows devices EI and I04 in contact, immediately before final inward movement of rack 56 has forced the end of the strap into device I04. Now as rack 56 moves outwardly, responsive to upward movement of rack 2| I, the end of the strap is held by device and with respect to the arrangement of these elements. Although it is desirable to have the machine automatic to the extent described, it is evi dent that for simplified and less expensive machines, some operations can be separately initiated by one or more clutch pedals to be actuated by the operator, to carry out the desired cycle. A simplified machine may also have provision for raising the box, instead of lowering the head assemblies i6 and it to the box.

A desirable characteristic of the invention is that the length of the strap applied may vary somewhat in accordance with the height of the box or crate. Thus with an over-packed citrous crate, a longer length of strap is applied than to a medium or under-packed crate. This is because, while the devices ti and ltd (Fig. l) are always lowered to a definite height above the table, plate l2l will come to rest on the crate at varying level dependent upon the fullness of the pack. The additional lengths of strap which may be required for application to the crate is supplied by sliding of the strap through the groove, 5% (Fig. 9) of rack 56, and through the strap supporting device M, which necessitates a certain amount of sliding movement. of the strap beneath the presser member E25, as the cross head i moves towards its lowermost limit. Thus there is no wastage of strapping material and the strap is always nailed at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the box.

I claim:

1. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means for presenting a box in a boxstrapping position, means for applying a strap across the upper face of the box with the end portions of the strap extending downwardly along two vertical sides, the strap being of a length insuflicient to entirely encompass the box, means for nailing the end portions of the strap to the box, and means for tucking the ends of the strap into the box.

2. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means carrying a pair of strap supporting units, one of said units being formed to permit a metallic strap to be threaded thru the same from a source of supply and the other of said units being formed to receive and grip the end of the strap, means for effecting relative movement of said units together and apart, to dispose a length of metallic strap between the same, and means for subsequently applying and attaching the strap to a box.

3. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means for supporting a box in a box strapping position, a pair of strap supporting units, one of said devices being adapted to have a metallic strap threaded thru the same and the other of said devices being adapted to grip and retain the end of the strap, means for bringing said units into engagement and for subsequently separating the same, whereby a portion of the strap is caused to extend between said units, said units normally overlying the side corners of the box and being capable of pivotal movement thru 90 degrees, and means for effecting relative movement between said units and said box, whereby said units are caused to assume positions along the sides of the box, and whereby during said relative movement the strap is laid across the top of the box and bent around the corners thereof.

4. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means for supporting a box to be strapped, a strap supporting unit thru which a metallic strap can be threaded, a second strap supporting unit adapted to receive and grip the ends of the strap, strap feeding means serving to position a length or" the strap between said units, means for causing relative movement between said units and thebox whereby said units are caused to assume positions along the sides of the box, thereby causing the strap to be applied across the top of the box with portions depending along the vertical box sides, means for securing the depending portions of the strap to the sides of the box, and means for severing the secured portion of the strap from the remainder thereof.

5. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means for supporting a box in a box strapping position, a pair of head assemblies, each of said assemblies including a nailing head, strap supporting and severing means carried by one of said head assemblies, strap supporting and gripping means carried by the other of said head assemblies, means for transposing said head assemblies from positions overlying the box to positions along the sides of the box, and means for feeding a length of strap between said head assemblies when said assemblies are in an elevated position with respect to the box, whereby when said assemblies are transposed to positions along the sides of the box, a length of strap is applied across the top of the box with portions depending along the sides thereof, and means for actuating said nailing heads when said head assemblies are in positions along the sides of the box.

6. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, means for presenting a box in a box strapping position, a pair of head assemblies, each of said head assemblies carrying a nailing head and a strap supporting unit, the strap supporting unit of one head assembly being adapted to receive and grip the end of a metallic strap, and the strap supporting unit of the other head assembly being adapted to have a metallic strap threaded thru the same from a source of supply, feed means serving to position a length of strap between said units, means for transposing said head assemblies from positions overlying the box to positions adjacent the sides of the box, whereby the strap is laid across the top of the box with depending portions extending down along the sides of the box, means for actuating said nailing heads to secure said depending portions to the sides of the box, and strap severing means serving to sever the secured length of strap from the remainder thereof.

7. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, a strap supporting unit comprising a body, said body being formed to receive one end portion of a metallic strap, a dog carried by said body to releasably grip the end portion of the strap, a movable strap cutter carried by said body, and means for effecting release of said dog when said cutter is moved to a position to sever the strap.

8. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, a strap supporting unit comprising a body, said body being formed to afiord a pasdill sage thru which a flat metallic strap can be threaded, a movable cutter carried by said body, and means serving to support said device for pivotal movements thru substantially 90 degrees.

9. In a machine for the strapping or boxes and the like, a strap supporting unit comprising a body, said body being formed to receive a flat metallic strap, a movable strap cutter carried by said body, means serving to support said device for pivotal movement thru substantially 90 degrees, and releasable latching means serving to retain said device in one limit of said pivotal movement.

10. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, a reciprocable member, a second member-having a slidable lost motion connection with said first member, said first member being formed to permit a. fiat metallic strap to be threaded therethrough, a strap supporting unit pivotally secured to said second named member, said strap supporting unit being likewise formed to permit threading a metallic strap therethrough.

11. In a machine for applying straps to boxes, a nail driving mechanism for driving nails through strap material into the sides of boxes, and a crimper blade associated with said nailing mechanism for engaging the free end of said strap and pressing the same into the sides of said box.

12. In a box cover strapping machine the com bination of means for receiving an overfllled box with a cover disposed thereover; means for transversely shaping a middle portion of said cover; means for positioning a strap of thin sheet metal, capable of penetration by a relatively small nail, across the shaped portion of said cover with end portions of said strap extending downward opposite upper portions 01 the box sides; means for supporting nails in positions for piercing said strap end portions; means for driving said nails from said last mentioned means; and means coordinately actuating said cover shaping and strap positioning means, and, at the conclusion of the functioning of the latter as aforesaid, actuating said nail driving means to simultaneously nail opposite end portions of said strap to sides of said box.

13. In a machine for the strapping 01. boxes and the like, the combination of means for drawing a strap under tension across the top of said box including means for tightly gripping the advance end of said strap and means for yieldably gripping said strap on the opposite side of said box from said advance end; means for causing relative vertical movement between said strapgripping means and said box to stretch said strap across the cover of said box and downwardly adjacent the sides of the latter; and means for securing to the sides of said box those portions of said strap disposed adjacent thereto while said strap is thus stretched.

14. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, the combination of: gripping means for holding a strip of strap material across a box to be strapped, and gripping said material at opposite ends of a given length thereof to permit an additional amount of strap material to be frictionally drawn through said gripping means; means causing relative movement between said box and said gripping means to wrap said strap material about a portion of said box; and means for securing to opposite sides of said box the opposite end portions of the length of said strap material disposed adjacent to said box.

15. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, the combination 01': means for supporting a box; means spaced from said box for gripping a length oi strap material at spaced points to hold said strap material in position across said box; means causing relative movement between said gripping means and said box to draw said strap material about a portion of said box and adjacent opposite faces of said box; and means to secure to said opposite faces of said box portions of said strap material adjacent thereto. v

16. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, the combination of means for supporting a box to be strapped; a travelling carrier for feeding the end portion of a continuous length of strap material across said box; means for efiecting the wrapping of said portion of strap material about the top and the upper part of the sides of said box; and means for securing to opposite sides of said box the strap material adjacent thereto.

17. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, the combination of means for supporting a box to be strapped; a travelling carrier for feeding a piece of strap material along the axis of the material in a rectilinear path substantially parallel with the top of the box to a position where said material is disposed across said box; means for effecting the wrapping of said strap material about the top and the upper part of the sides of said box; and means for securing to opposite sides of said box the strap material adjacent thereto.

18. In a machine for the strapping of boxes and the like, the combination of means for supporting a box to be strapped; a travelling carrier for feeding the end portion of a continuous length of strap material across said box; means for effecting the wrapping of said portion of strap material about the top and the upper part of the sides of said box;,means for securing to opposite sides of said box the strap material adjacent thereto; and means for cutting off the portion of strap material so secured from the balance of said material. a

19. The method of strapping a box or the like which comprises: drawing a piece of strap material across a box and partway down the sides of the latter and holding said strap material in place, While unsecured to said box, by gripping opposite ends of said piece of material and drawing said material downward; and securing said opposite ends of said material while thus held to opposite sides of said box to retain said material in place.

20. The method of strapping a box or the like which comprises: drawing a piece of strap material across a box and partway down the sides of the latter and holding said strap material in place, while unsecured to said box, by gripping opposite ends of said piece of material and drawing said material downward, and simultaneously securing said opposite ends of said material while thus held to opposite sides of said box to retain said material in place.

21. The method of strapping a box or the like which comprises: drawing a given length of a continuous piece of strap material across a box and partway down the sides of the latter and holding said length of strap material in place, while unsecured to said box, by gripping opposite ends of said length of material and drawing downward thereon; securing said length of material to said box sides while so held; and severing said length of material from the balance thereof.

5 22. The method of applying flat strap material to boxes which comprises: disposing a length of such material across a box and partway down the sides; substantially simultaneously nailing said material to the sides of said box; and substantially simultaneously crimping ends of said length of material into the sides of said box.

23. The method of applying flat strap mate- 

